News Thread

Few players on the planet divide opinion more than Bruno Fernandes. Even amongst the Manchester United fanbase, the Portuguese midfielder has received criticism for his performances and on-field theatrics this season, but Fernandes has posted incredible attacking numbers since joining Man United from Sporting CP in January 2020. United’s transfer policy has rightly been derided across the last decade but Fernandes is a rare exception and the 29-year-old represents their best signing since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2012. So, does Bruno Fernandes receive the respect he deserves? 

Manchester United's season may be far from over, with an FA Cup final left to play against rivals Manchester City, but fans of the Old Trafford club are already glancing towards next season and the hopes that could come to fruition. There, the Red Devils could find themselves under the guidance of a new head coach, alongside a squad of new and exciting players.

Borussia Dortmund stunned European football on Wednesday night when the Bundesliga side overcame the odds to beat Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 in the first leg of their semi-final clash in the Champions League. Although the solitary goal came via an outstanding shot from striker Niclas Füllkrug, the star of the show was undoubtedly Jadon Sancho. 

Erik ten Hag’s future as Manchester United manager has dominated the column inches this season more than any other story. It’s been a dismal second campaign in England for the 54-year-old and speculation has raged that Sir Jim Ratcliffe will appoint a new manager in the summer after acquiring sporting control at Old Trafford. 

Two of the most successful clubs in Champions League history faced off last night tonight in their quest to book their place in the final. It was all square between Real Madrid and Bayern Munich after a 2-2 draw in Germany but Real produced a late comeback in Madrid as Joselu scored twice to cancel out Alphonso Davies' opener. Madrid will meet Borussia Dortmund in the final after the underdogs against PSG produced two stunning performances to win both legs 1-0. 

At times it seems every Premier League club feels they are the hardest done by when it comes to injuries. There have been countless occasions where managers have berated their injury woes in press conferences, and it’s a subject often quoted by fans as to why their clubs haven't been as successful as some would hope. However, there have been lots of clubs who genuinely have been ravaged by injuries this campaign, but which Premier League teams have actually suffered the most this season? 

This Sunday one of the historically biggest Premier League fixtures takes place. Arsenal go to Old Trafford looking to preserve their own title aspirations. In years gone by it’s not been a happy hunting ground for the Gunners - just one Premier League win in 17 years. But this season, it’s also not really been a happy hunting ground for Erik ten Hag's Manchester United either. The Red Devils would be ninth in the table from just home games this season and have already equalled their worst loss tally in a Premier League season and are on course for their worst ever points total and goals conceded record. Going to Old Trafford this season hasn’t quite been the daunting task of old.

 

It’s crunch time in the Premier League. This Sunday marks the final games of the season. Both Manchester City and Arsenal can still win the title, but the Gunners will need Pep Guardiola’s team to drop points at home to West Ham, whilst beating Everton at the Emirates themselves. Aston Villa have already now wrapped up the fourth Champions League spot, whilst Luton are all but relegated. The Hatters would need to win, hope Nottingham Forest lose, and would need a 12 goal difference swing. 

The Premier League season is finally over and while fans take in the last 10 months of football and consider whether their clubs improved or went backwards, it’s worth considering which players came through at each club and really shined. Although the English top-flight is well known for typically buying the best players from around Europe, that doesn’t mean young stars can’t get promoted from their youth academies and go on to shine for their boyhood clubs. And this season’s league has highlighted a number of young stars that have become pivotal to their team’s success.